Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have for diverse families is that all families receive the highest quality education for all their children through respect and advocacy from educators.

One goal I have as an early childhood educator is to provide the highest quality education and to be an advocate for all families.

I woud like to personally thank  everyone for their contribution to my blog.  I look forward to working with all of you in the future.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I would prepare to welcome a child and family from Australia.  I have never worked with a child or family from this part of the world.  Therefore, I would prepare by:

1.    Researching the country

2.    Researching the language

3.    Learning about the culture

4.    Gathering facts about customs and the country

5.    Learning about the culture, religion, and beliefs of the family.

 

 

I believe that preparing to work with the family will help me to establish strategies for communicating with and working with the family.  Understanding the cultural background, values, and beliefs of the family will enable me to establish a productive relationship with the family.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

In one personal experience, I was the target of bias and prejudice.  I was about twenty years old when I tried to get my first apartment.  The day I went to get the apartment, I was very excited about getting my own place.  I had talked with the manager on the phone, and was told to bring a security deposit and one month's rent.  The manager scheduled the meeting at three o'clock and I was there on time.  When the manager saw that I was an African American, he told me that no apartments were available.  I complained that I was told that there were three apartments open.  Finally, the manager stated that the tenants do not want "you people" in the apartments and it would be best for me to go somewhere else.

This was a common practice in Mississippi, so I did not pursue a case.  If I had done so, the manager would have said that my credit was not good enough or the apartments had been rented before I came.  In this type of situation, the manager would have to change for the situation to be positive. The manager was racist and his attitude was negative toward African Americans.  Thankfully, this does not occur in my hometown anymore.  People are less prejudiced and the laws ensure equity in housing.  However, this incident haunted me for years, and made me feel like less than a citizen.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week, a coworker told me that she wished that she could eat Thanksgiving dinner at my house.  She said that she knew that I would cook a great meal because I was raised in the country.  My coworker went on to ask me if I was going to cook some chitterlings.  After the comment, she started laughing.  I immediately realized that she had committed a microagression against me.  I was embarrased and I felt that I was being demeaned because of my background.  I did not reply to the microagression; however, I wish I had made my views known. 

I have learned that people make microaggressions intentionally and unintentionally.  I know that my coworker was only joking around; however, my feelings were hurt in the process.  I realize that microaggressions can hurt and they can be insults or assualts.  This has helped me to be more conscious of  how I speak with families and how I work with others. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I asked two friends and one family member about culture and diversity.  When asked about culture, most of the people shared that culture includes the values and beliefs that a group of people share.  One friend explained that we have multiple cultures.  She stated that the culture in our family may be different from the culture in the workplace or in society.  As a result, some of our beliefs can be conflicting; however, they are acceptable in different contexts.  Overall, everyone agreed that culture is a part of life and it influences what people believe in and how they act.

When asked about diversity, I received conflicting views and opinions.  Some believed that diversity was the differences between people.  One person believed that diversity was based on race only.  After reviewing these definitions, it is obvious that the people did not see diversity as deep as it is covered in the course.  Diversity is based on any differences within and between groups.  Diversity is about differences; however, it can include different views, different cultures, and different races. Diversity can include different talents among employees.  Therefore, I feel that people have a better understanding of culture than diversity.

My family culture

Based on my family’s culture, I would choose items that can clearly explain what we believe in and items that exhibit our cultural values.  My family is very religious.  As a result, I would choose to take the Bible to show my religious beliefs and to educate others about Christianity.  The second item I would take is a photo album of my family.  I can use this album to show others my family and my heritage.  The third item would be a quilt that has been passed down through the generations.  Quilting is a hobby that has become part of my heritage and culture. Many of the older women quilt; therefore, I would continue to teach this to future generations.

The Bible is the most important item because it is the core value in my family.  Religion is about spiritual and cultural connections.  Plus, the Bible contains scriptural knowledge that can be used to teach future generations.

When I Think of Research...

When I Think of Research...

I think of the children that can be helped by research findings.  In this course, I have learned how to work with qualitative, quantiative, and mixed research methods.  This has helped me to become a better student and a better educator.  I realize that research can be used to solve problems in education. 

I have learned that research has to be designed.  I understand the need for a hypothesis, a research method, and informed consent for participants. Research is beneficial for eduation and it helps to find solutions to problems or to improve learning.  Therefore, I will use what I have learned to become a better educator.

I would like to thank everyone for their contribution to my blog and this learning experience.

Research Around the World

After evaluating the European Early Childhood Education Research Association, I found an article titled “‘Looking and listening-in’: a methodological approach to generating insights into infants' experiences of early childhood education and care settings”.  This article focused on how infants can benefit from early childhood education.   It was interesting that the research focused on “looking and listening-in having dual utility: as a methodological approach for helping us to edge closer to understanding the infant's experience, and as a way of describing how the infant made meaning of his experience” (EECERA, 2010). This research is important to early childhood education because our agency started an early start program last year for infants and toddlers. 

 

The site also provides a back catalogue that provides access to older research articles.  Early childhood educators can use this site to find valuable information about research projects. 

 

Reference

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA): http://www.eecera.org/

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

Research  can be used to enhance the quality of education.  In Head Start, a research project was conducted to determine ways to improve literacy.  The results of the research was transformed into policy changes for the Head Start centers.  As a result, new techniques were implemented to address reading and literacy goals.  One of the benefits of this research was the start of the Early Start program to start teaching infants to two year olds.  This program has been a success in our area, and it was made possible because of research.

Your Personal Research Journey

How to address diversity in Early Childhood Education

Class, my research will focus on improving strategies to include diverse children in the Head Start learning environment.  I chose this topic for research because the demographics in my area are changing.  There are more diverse families in need of education.  As a result, teachers need to be able to design assessments that accurately measure student performance.  I have seen a lot of Hispanic children labeled with learning disorders when they actually have cutlural and language barriers.  Therefore, the goal of my research is to address this issue and to improve learning for all children.

Final Blog Assignment

Final Blog Assignment

Consequences of learning about International Early Childhood

1.  Learning about international issues in early childhood learning makes it possible to relate this information to the early childhood learning environment in the United States.

2.  International contacts provide a new perspective about issues that occur in early childhood education.

3.  Exchanging research and information allows benefits all early childhood educators.

Goal for International Awareness

I would like to see an international newsletter created by early childhood professionals that provides stories and experiences from these classrooms.  This would help to create more awareness about poverty and other issues that occur in early childhood education. 

Final Note

On a final note, I would like to personally thank all of my classmates for following my blog and contributing to the discussion throughout the course.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

The podcasts this week focused on a new issue.  One of the podcasts discussed the level of obesity in the United States and in England.  The researcher was an American educator who was studying similarities in both cultures.  Since both England and the United States were individualistic cultures, the researcher wanted to determine the obesity levels between the two countries.  Oddly, obesity was tied to poverty.  One would expect that poverty would be tied to hunger.  However, it was found that obesity in the United States was due to food stamp programs and poverty.  As a result, families were encouraged to buy and eat cheaper, less healthy foods.  The researcher further found that obesity in England was also tied to poor diets. 

I have learned a lot by listening to the podcasts.  The educators and researchers share an abundance of information that can be used in early childhood education programs in my area.  As a result, I will continue to listen to the podcasts after this program is over.

Sharing Web Resources

Sharing Web Resources

After listening to podcasts over the last few weeks, I have started to explore research projects and newsletters outside of the organization. The world forum provides a lot of information about projects dedicated to combating poverty.  I searched through the archives and found several interesting projects that are created by groups, governments, and organizations.  Together, this information provides insight on creative ways to combat poverty.  For example, in India, one poverty initiative allowed families to provide their children with donated school supplies.  I also located two great poverty projects listed in the references. Please visit these sites to see what’s being done in the world.

 

References

www.worldforumfoundation.org/

www.globalpovertyproject.com/

 

International Poverty Solutions Collaborative. Retrieved from http://poverty.osu.edu/

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

This week, I listened to two podcasts on educational issues in other countries.  The podcasts are audio conversations with early childhood professionals.  One of the podcasts discussed poverty in other countries. The second discussed the quality of early childhood education programs.  These podcasts provide information on how early childhood educators address issues in their own country.  As a childhood educator, I can use this information to enhance my own classes.

Sharing Web Resources

Sharing Web Resources

Poverty is an issue around the world.  One organization that I found on the internet is the CARE organization.  CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty (care.org).  The organization focuses on women; however, it provides programs and research to combat poverty for families in high poverty areas.  Childpoverty is a similar site that provides research and programs designed to combat poverty.  In my research, I learned that poverty limits the ability of families and children to access a quality education.  At the same time, poverty causes children to be distracted from learning.  Therefore, these programs provide assistance and research that benefits families and educators.

References

www.care.org

http://www.childpoverty.com/

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

The World Forum Foundation provides communication through podcasts about poverty, education, and early childhood education.  I have been listening to the podcasts over the week, I have learned about poverty issues in other countries.  I was amazed to learn that poverty was an issue in thriving countries like India and the United States.  It was also interesting to learn that many of the researchers from the United States bring programs back from other countries that have been effective in reducing the effects of poverty on education.

References

www.worldforumfoundation.org/

Shared Web Resources

I recently found a website titled childpoverty.com.  The website is dedicated to fighting poverty among children in the world.  The site provides research and information about groups that fight poverty.  In a recent news report, the organization discussed its 25 in 5 project goals of eliminating poverty.  Unfortunately, the project is behind schedule in its efforts.  However, this shows that the groups are working together to combat poverty.

References

www.childpoverty.com/

Getting Ready—Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

Part 1, Establishing Professional Contacts

This week, I started reading information on the World Forum Foundation’s website.  I also looked at the World Forum Foundation Radio.  On one of the podcasts, I heard Susan Lyon discussing how she worked with foreign students in a program that focused on language development.  The radio podcast provided insight in how teaching practices vary in other countries.  As a result, Mrs. Lyon developed an exhibit, which she brought back to the United States.  Based on this information, I intended to continue monitoring these sites throughout the course for information, research, and podcasts.

Part 2, Expanding Resources

I also decided to review the Center for the Child Care Workforce’s website. This organization provides a newsletter and information for childcare research. The CCW also “advocated for public policy to restructure the early care and education delivery system to better address the issues of workforce recruitment and compensation” (CCW).  Therefore, I plan to further study this organization during the course.

References

Center for the Child Care Workforce. (CCW) (2011). Retrieved from http://www.ccw.org/

World Forum Foundation. (2011) Retrieved from http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php

World Forum Foundation Radio. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/radio.php

When I Think of Child Development

When I think of Child development, I think of the whole child.  Child development is based on helping the child to learn, grow, and develop mentally and physically.  One philosopher quoted that "All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual" (Albert Einstein).  This quote shows that child development is based on individual development and it benefits society as a whole.

I would like to thank all of my fellow scholars for participating and contributing to my blog.  I wish you all the best in your future courses and careers.

Testing for Intelligence

I believe that every child is unique.  Children have different abilities, needs, and skills.  As a result, teachers need to rely on authentic assessments to determine the best way to teach children.  This includes assessing the child's macro and micro environments. The ecosystem of a child's life includes different influences and people who help shape the child's life.  Therefore, these people play a major role in development.  This is why I strongly support parent-teacher relationships.  Furthermore, I do not believe that standardized tests can accurately identify an individual's child's intelligence.  Factors such as culture and environment affect how a child develops, therefore, children have different and multiple intelligences. 

In China, education is more vigorous and children either fail or pass.  This commitment to education produces highly educated students that speak multiple languages and do well in school. Also, "Chinese students attend classes five or six days a week from early morning (about 7am) to early evening (4pm or later)" (Chinese culture, 2011) . Although I do not think that this system would translate very quickly in the American education system, I do believe that children will benefit from a greater focus on education.  Children need to be pushed at their own pace, and it is necessary for children to learn; therefore, the holistic approach is the best approach.

References
http://chineseculture.about.com/od/thechineselanguage/a/Introduction-To-Education-In-China.htm

Poverty

I experienced povery growing up in a poor community. This caused problems in my education and my interaction with others.  I was always concerned about the quality of my clothes and things that I had.  As a result, I was self conscious.  I know that I had poor performance in some classes due to the stress of poverty.  Therefore, poverty can be a stressor to children.

Poverty is a worldwide issue.  There are children in every country who are exposed to poverty.  There are many organizations that are fighting poverty around the world. "CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty" (Care.org, 2012).


http://www.care.org/

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a term used when new born infants die with little explanation of their death.  SIDS is often called crib death because children die in their cribs in the night.  As a result, parents have to carefully monitor children and get regular checkups.  This can help to prevent crib death.  The cause of SIDS is unknown.  However, prevention strategies include ensuring that the baby sleeps on his or her back and monitoring the child during the night.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002533/

Birthing Experience

Giving birth to my son was the most beautiful and painful experience of my life.  I was attached to my son in the womb, and when he was born, I became more attached. The pain was worth seeing his face for the first time.  During the pregnancy, I had some complications.  However, I made sure to get adequate treatment and to stay healthy. 

Mortality in infants is fairly low in the United States.  However, in countries like Africa, infant mortality is very high.  It is expected that due to economic issues, the mortality rate will increase by 50,000 in Africa.  A poor economy leads to less health care and poor prenatal care. Therefore, I attribute the mortality rate in the United States to health care and prenatal care.

References
http://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/infant-mortality-rates-in-africa-will-increase-by-30000-50000-girls-will-fare-worse

My Supports

Family

My primary support comes from family.  My family provides financial and social support.  As a result, I can rely on my family to help me make it through the rough times.  I rely on family support during most of my crises and difficult times

Coworkers

My coworkers provide support at work when I have problems with my job or when I need assistance.  My coworkers provide professional assistance and help me to work through issues related to teaching or the work environment.  I work with these people on a daily basis, therefore, they are part of my professional newtwork and support system

Friends

My friends provide support for me when I need someone to talk to.  As a result, my friends provide social support and spiritual support.  Furthermore, I have two friends that I can rely on for guidance when I have problems in my personal life.

My Connections to Play

Play is an important part of the learning process because children naturally like to play. 

Physical activity is a benefit of play.  Children develop both physically and mentally when they learn to play games and interact with each other.

Quote #1

“Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.”  Stuart Brown, MD

Contemporary American psychiatrist

Quote # 2

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

Diane Ackerman

Contemporary American author

Play in education has changed.  The emphasis on recess and play has been downplayed and reduced in education.  This makes it possible for students to learn in new and exciting ways.  I used to love recess because it allowed me to have fun in school.  Also, I enjoyed the creative activities in the class.  As a result, I try to create creative activities in my own class room.  Therefore, I would love to see more play in education.

Relationship Reflection

Family and Friends

Family and friends make up my personal network.  My relationship with these people is based on love and trust. They also provide social support.  I can rely on family and friends to support me when I have problems and when I need hlep.  They also provide financial and other forms of support that help me to stay in school.

Teachers
Teachers provide academic support. This relationship is based on academic goals and professional development.  I rely on my teachers to provide feeback and guidance.

Peers and Proffessionals
I have relationships with my peers and other professionals.  These relationships are based on mutual goals and respect.

My Connections to Play

Quotes about play

Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.

Stuart Brown, MD

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

Diane Ackerman
Contemporary American author

Play in Learning:

Play is essential to the learning process. Children get exercise when they play and it benefits physical development.  Play also allows children to express themselves in creative ways.  As a result, teachers have to look for learning opportunities during play.  Vygotsky explained the social values of play and its relationship to learning.  Through research, play is proven to be an element of child development.